A new food truck park is coming to southwestern Illinois. Here’s what we know
“Are you hungry?”
This is the question heading a recent press release for the new food truck park in Alton – Flock – which is scheduled to open in May.
Flock will be located at 210 Ridge St. between Broadway and Landmarks in a lot adjacent to the Jacoby Arts Center, according to the release.
“I believe people want locally grown and sourced food, both on their tables at home and when they go out to dine,” Jayne Simmons, president of AltonWorks and Alton resident, stated in the release.
“I have dreamed of opening a food truck park for quite some time – a place where friends and families can go to pick up a quick, delicious meal and just spend time together. The last two years have really opened people’s minds to how they get their food, where it comes from and what they want to experience when they nourish themselves and their families. I hope when they think of great food and great conversation, they think of Flock.”
The AltonWorks project will be operated by restaurateur and owner Laura Windisch, who wants people to be excited and impressed with the food truck park, and her husband Matt Windisch, stated the release.
People who flock to the food truck park will be met with a variety of food options, as Flock will host up to six food trucks at any time for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday. Sunday’s hours and menu will center around brunch.
“Think biscuits and beignets washed down with mimosas and house-crafted bloody marys,” Windisch stated in the release.
WIndisch and her husband moved from St. Louis to Alton in 2018 and are the owners and operators of Stacked Burger Bar in St. Louis.
The space next to Flock currently serves as a parking lot but will become an outdoor park and playground, according to the release. A groundbreaking was held for the park in July 2019 with Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
AltonWorks shifted its focus from the project in 2020 to address local food insecurity during the pandemic. These days, they continue to be “dedicated to improving conditions for all residents and catalyzing a more vibrant, livable, and welcoming Alton,” according to the release.
The issues faced during the pandemic contributed to the concept of Flock, making it a higher priority for Simmons and the rest of AltonWorks.
More information about Flock will become available closer to the opening date. Food truck operators interested in participating can contact the Windisches at hello@flockalton.com.
